Academic Differences Between Physical Therapy Programs in Higher Education and Technical Education and Their Impact on Output Quality in Libya

الملخص

This study aims to analyze the structural and methodological differences between diploma programs offered in higher institutes and bachelor’s programs offered in Libyan universities in the field of physical therapy, and to evaluate the impact of these differences on graduates’ competencies and their readiness for clinical practice. A descriptive, analytical, and comparative approach was adopted, involving a review of official curricula, course sequencing, distribution of theoretical and practical hours, and clinical training requirements. The analysis revealed clear differences in the depth of scientific content, competency-building structures, and educational organization. Diploma programs are characterized by an intensive structure and early exposure to specialized courses without sufficient scientific foundation, whereas bachelor’s programs follow a gradual approach to skill development through successive stages that include advanced biomedical sciences, extended clinical training, and evidence-based therapeutic practices. Knowledge and skill gaps were identified among diploma graduates in areas such as clinical assessment, biomechanics, cardiopulmonary therapy, and scientific research. The study concludes with a recommendation to adopt a unified national framework and compensatory transitional programs to harmonize the two pathways, enhance educational quality, and raise clinical competence levels in line with international standards of physical therapy.